I’m a mother. A sister. A daughter. A sister-in-law. A cousin. A second cousin. A third cousin once removed. I’ve been a granddaughter and great-granddaughter.

But I’m not an aunt.

At least I wasn’t. Until just this weekend when my cousin Steve and his wife Colleen adopted their daughter Zinnia Louise-Yu. Even though I’m not technically an aunt, Steve and Colleen have graciously given me that title.

So now, I’m officially an aunt. Or, for Ms. Zinnia, or Yu Yu as she likes to be called, I’m Ayi Susan.

Last night we were lucky enough to have a Skype call with the new family.

The happy family: Colleen, Yu Yu and Steve

We were told that Yu Yu loves cats and dogs and I was hoping mine would hang around long enough to say hello. Athena sat behind us during our short conversation. Yu Yu saw her immediately. “Maow!” (That’s Mandarin for cat. Which confirms my belief that cats are self-centered, because they say “cat” a lot–in Mandarin.)

Calvin stopped by briefly, walking across my laptop keyboard. By then, Yu Yu (like any other 7-year-old) had disappeared from the screen and was on to the next big thing.

Calvin stopped by while we talked with the new parents.

Before they said goodbye, my cousin and his new daughter sang a duet of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. And I was lucky enough to record it. (Note: she’s wearing her Mama’s glasses, because. Glasses. I think she and Calvin have a lot in common.)

2017 Muse Medallion Winner

2017 CWA Special Award Winner

Life with Dogs and Cats is honored that the story of Penny, the cat we adopted for my mother is the recipient of:
-2017 Kari Kari Winters Rescue and Rehabilitation Award , sponsored by TICA
-2017 CATalyst Council Connection Award

Don’t miss any of the fun, wags and purrs!

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